SHOULD NOT BE FATALISTIC

Chronicle (Levin), 6 May 1948, Page 5

SHOULD NOT BE FATALISTIC

(N.Z.P.A—

■Reuter,

Situation Dangerous— Not Desperate

Copyright)

Reeeived TTiursday, 10.15 a.m. *, . ' LONDON, May 5. Resuming the debate on foreigh, affairs in the^ House - of Commons today, Mr. Anthony Ellen ^ons^rvatiyd) saiphji Jt was fantastically horrible that thi^b 'yha,rs frdm the'day df. 5 Victory we should be making- speeches and'once again mentioning a world war. We should not, however, be Tatalistic. The present intef national situation was very gahgerous; but not desperate. ^ r* . ; U ; :

Mr. Eden emphasised .the ' esseritial importance of the position of the British Commonwealth aiid Empire in relation to the Western Hnion discussions. "The Commons wealth -and Empire must always be the first consideration. The Empire should be with us at every stage, and there should he a conference of Empire statesmen , on these matters soon." Stressing the value of a conference of Empire statesmen, Mr. Eden said that such meetings held at critical times had been invaluable. They enabled the Govern-

pient to obtain a point of viaw not only informed but fresh, given from a different angle' and backed hy unrivalled experi'ence. Tlje hlstpric. meeting of Erppire istatesmeh^ dur^ ing the war was a .great 'helpl; yhe House of Commons was ;now considering problems just as important to the world's future as any j which arose during the war. j Mr. Eden said that a reeovery of the prosperity and international authority of -Western European I nations would 'be the mpst'Uireor i contribution to the maintenanee of peace.*